The summer of 2023 was marked by record-breaking heat. MEDICOM TOY's annual event, "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION '23," showcasing upcoming releases and valuable archives, was held from Saturday, July 22nd to Thursday, July 27th, 2023, at "Space O" on the 3rd basement floor of Omotesando Hills' main building. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions this year, admission was possible without prior lottery, leading to large crowds every day. Visitors enjoyed attractions like goldfish scooping and shooting games in a charming venue themed around a "Japanese Summer Festival," savoring the cool atmosphere.

In 2020, amidst the height of the pandemic, "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION" was held online in a VIRTUAL venue, prioritizing participants' health and safety. While held in a physical venue in 2021 and 2022, time-slot admissions were managed through a prior lottery system to avoid crowding. This year, however, all restrictions were lifted, allowing anyone to enter and view the exhibition freely.

In an interview prior to "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION '21," CEO Tatsuhiko Akashi spoke about the event's significance: "I am very much looking forward to seeing the faces of our customers who eagerly await this day and hearing their voices. It is a cherished stage for us to showcase what we have created. Furthermore, I believe the real venue offers the unique pleasure and potential for attendees to meet each other and spark new ideas."' This statement underscores that the exhibition is not merely a platform for new product announcements but also a crossroads for fans and creators who love toys.

This year's "Japanese Summer Festival" theme saw the venue decorated with portable shrines and lanterns, along with areas for shooting games and goldfish scooping. The exhibition presented a vibrant space featuring MEDICOM TOY's world-renowned MAFEX, BE@RBRICK, soft vinyl figures, apparel, and more, highlighted by world-premiere new releases.

The festival's occurrence is also a testament to the return of normalcy. This exhibition, more than ever, hinted at the birth of new encounters and the creation of products that will excite people worldwide.

Upon entering the venue, the first section displayed was the "MAFEX" corner. Since its debut in 2013 as an action figure line achieving both perfect form and exceptional articulation, it has released over 200 characters from movies and TV series, notably from Marvel and DC.

New releases from the "RoboCop" and "Terminator" series, beloved worldwide. The "MAFEX ROBOCOP 2 MURPHY HEAD Ver.," released in August 2023, includes damaged bust parts. The "MAFEX ENDOSKELETON (T2 Ver.)," scheduled for February 2024, features die-cast parts in the feet and meticulously recreated details of the cylinder and blaster rifle, making it the ultimate collectible for T2 fans.

From the "Mandalorian" series, which depicts the dangerous adventures of the lone bounty hunter "The Mandalorian" and the Force-sensitive "Grogu," new MAFEX figures are set to be released for the protagonist Mandalorian, Boba Fett, and Ahsoka Tano, along with a legendary character who appeared in the final episode of Season 2. Stay tuned for further updates.

The hit drama "The Boys," about a battle against corrupt superheroes. Following the popular releases of Homelander, Billy Butcher, Starlight, and Black Noir, prototypes for Soldier Boy, The Deep, Queen Maeve, and A-Train (from front left) were unveiled for the first time.

From the DC Universe, the movie "Black Adam," depicting a god of destruction awakened after 5,000 years, is set for release as a MAFEX figure. The figure impressively captures the "most terrifying tyrant" persona in both its seated pose on the throne and its robed appearance.

Heroes and villains stand together from "Zack Snyder's Justice League." The lineup includes Superman, Batman, The Flash, and the Joker, with meticulous attention to detail in their sculpting, conveying MEDICOM TOY's profound affection for this work.

Scheduled for release in February 2024 is the "MAFEX JOHN WICK (JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4)" (left photo), and in October 2023, the "MAFEX LeBron James SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY Ver." (right photo). Attention should be paid to the expressions, clothing, and shoe designs, recreated in detail using digital printing technology unique to live-action productions. Furthermore, the horror film "M3GAN," a major hit depicting the madness of an AI doll, is already slated for MAFEX productization. We eagerly anticipate details on its specifications.

The "NEW ITEM" corner featured new BE@RBRICK and soft vinyl figures. One of the highlights of "MEDICOM TOY EXHIBITION" is the display of items that are rarely seen in person due to their handmade nature.

New BE@RBRICK releases included Mofurun from the TV anime "Magical DoReMi," a costumed "Casper," and works by the artist Kuniyoshi Kaneko, who brought a sensational impact to the art world, among other items on display for reference.

Karimoku's BE@RBRICK, NY@BRICK, and R@BBRICK, meticulously finished by skilled artisans. Layered, parquetry, CHESS, WOVEN, HORIZON, ASLOPE 60°, birch-like finishes... Furthermore, the MIX versions, assembled from parts, showcase a diverse range of expressions using wood that never ceases to amaze.

STEAM POLKA, an artist who designs and creates original characters living in a steampunk-esque end-of-the-century world. Familiar to MEDICOM TOY fans through the VAG diving suit series, this exhibition featured the first color sample of "Queen of Hearts in Diving Suit," which garnered attention as a garage kit. The meticulous design, down to the key held in hand and the base, highlighted the world view and was particularly striking.

New VCD releases included nostalgic "sokkie" (shampoo bottle) style figures of FELIX and TOM AND JERRY, displayed for reference. A choice that would delight vintage toy enthusiasts.

The collaboration series with BOTANIZE, a shop specializing in unique caudiciform, cactus, and succulent plants. Following "VCD Pachypodium Gracilius" and "VCD Euphorbia obesa," the new "Dioscorea elephantipes" was displayed for reference and garnered significant attention.

The "MLE" corner featured items from INU's "Meshi Kūna!" and Primal Scream's "Screamadelica," released in August 2023.project1/6 Rakuten Ichiba Store,MCT TOKYOare now available. Those interested should act quickly.

The "ARCHIVE" corner displayed a selection of previously released items. At the entrance stood BE@RBRICKs from MEDICOM TOY's official shops: 1/6計画, MEDICOM TOY PLUS, Tokyo Solamachi store, and 2G, along with store-exclusive models.

The final new product introduced is the "BE@RBRICK PORTABLE BLUETOOTH® SPEAKER," unveiled as the first BE@RBRICK 400% size BLUETOOTH® speaker. It utilizes Quad 360™️ audio technology, with speakers integrated into the ear sections and the back of the head. Three colors—CLEAR, SMOKE, and BLACK—were displayed at the venue. Details regarding specifications, pricing, and release dates will be featured on OPENERS soon, so please stay tuned.